Can Fossils Be Found in Metamorphic Rock?

Fossils can be found in metamorphic rock. However, fossils are rarely found in metamorphic rock and are typically partial or badly damaged from the rock formation process.

Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, limestone and shale. These rocks are formed as layers of sediment pile up over long periods of time. Plants and animals are preserved as fossils in the layers.

Tremendous heat and pressure over time changes these rocks types into metamorphic rock, such as gneiss, slate, and marble. These extreme forces usually distort or completely destroy any remains trapped in the sediment. Therefore, scientists and palaeontologists rarely search for fossils in metamorphic rock formations.